Michelle and Stacey - All Things Small Business

Your accountant tells you the business made a profit, but when you check the bank account, there’s barely any money there. Sound familiar?In this episode, Michelle and Stacey unpack one of the most common frustrations for small business owners: understanding the difference between profit and cash flow.They explain in simple terms why a profitable business can still run into cash flow problems, how unpaid invoices, stock purchases, loan repayments, GST, tax and the upcoming Payday Super changes can all impact the cash sitting in your bank account.You'll learn:• Why profit and cash are not the same thing• How customers can unknowingly become a "silent loan" on your business• The impact of debtors, creditors and stock on cash flow• Why loan repayments affect your bank balance but not your profit• How GST, PAYG and tax obligations can create cash flow pressure• What Payday Super means for small business cash flow from July 2026If you've ever wondered where the money went despite making a profit, this episode will help you understand the numbers behind your business and avoid some of the most common cash flow traps.🎧 Tune in now and discover why cash is still king in small business.

Selling your business is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make — and there are plenty of tips, tricks and traps to be aware of along the way.In this final episode of the Selling Your Business series, Michelle and Stacey unpack the common mistakes business owners make during the sale process and share practical ways to avoid them. From understanding the true value of your business and choosing the right buyer, to handling negotiations, managing staff, avoiding deal fatigue, and getting the right legal and tax advice — this episode is full of real-world insights for small business owners.They also discuss the emotional side of selling a business, why communication is critical, how poor planning can cost you money, and the importance of surrounding yourself with the right professional team.Whether you’re planning to sell soon or just thinking ahead for the future, this episode will help you navigate the tips, tricks and traps of selling your business with more confidence and clarity.🎧 Listen now for straightforward advice and practical insights designed specifically for small business owners.

Selling a business can be exciting — but it can also be full of hidden risks that many owners don’t see coming.In this episode, Michelle and Stacey break down the real risks involved when selling your business, from losing key staff and customers to deal delays, due diligence blow-ups, negotiation mistakes, legal traps, tax surprises and even competitors taking advantage during the process.Using real-world examples and practical advice, they explain:How to protect the value of your business during a saleWhy employee management is critical before and after the dealWhat buyers look for during due diligenceThe importance of strong contracts, legal advice and tax planningHow to avoid taking your eye off the business while negotiatingWhy negotiation strategy can make or cost you thousandsIf you’re thinking about selling your business now or in the future, this episode will help you understand the common traps and how to prepare for a smoother, more successful sale.🎧 Tune in for practical small business advice in simple terms from Michelle and Stacey.

Selling your business is one thing — surviving the due diligence process is another.In this episode with Michelle and Stacey - talking all things small business, Michelle and Stacey break down what due diligence actually means when selling a business, why it matters, and how being prepared can make or break your sale.They cover:• What buyers are really looking for during due diligence• Why confidentiality agreements and NDAs are critical• The key documents every business owner should have ready• Financial statements, employee contracts, leases, supplier agreements, and intellectual property• Common mistakes that slow down or derail a sale• The risks of poor preparation — including litigation and failed deals• How timing, transparency, and planning help build buyer trustWhether you’re thinking about selling now or years from now, this episode will help you understand how to prepare your business properly and avoid costly surprises.If you want your business sale to move smoothly — and achieve the best possible outcome — this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

Negotiation is one of the most important parts of selling your business, and it starts much earlier than most business owners realise.In this episode, Michelle and Stacey continue the Selling Your Business series with a practical conversation about negotiating well. They explore why negotiation should not be about “winning at all costs”, but about achieving the best possible outcome for both the seller and the purchaser while protecting relationships, trust and the legacy of the business.They discuss when negotiation really begins, why consistency and integrity matter, how emotional intelligence can influence the outcome, and why mindset, listening skills and clear boundaries are so important. They also cover who should be involved in negotiations, when to bring in advisers, and why every business owner should know their minimum acceptable price, preferred terms and deal breakers before serious discussions begin.This episode is a must-listen for any small business owner thinking about selling, preparing for succession, or wanting to understand how to approach important business conversations with more confidence.

Bonus Episode: Payday Super – What Small Business Owners Need to Know Before July 2026Big changes are coming, and they’re closer than you think.From 1 July 2026, “Payday Super” will require businesses to pay superannuation at the same time as wages — not quarterly. In this bonus episode, Michelle and Stacey break down exactly what this means for small business owners, who it applies to, and why you need to act now.We cover:Who is affected (hint: if you pay anyone, including yourself — this is for you)What “payday super” actually means in practiceThe cash flow impact and how to prepareThe July 2026 “double whammy” risk many businesses aren’t ready forNew ATO data matching and stricter penalties for late paymentsWhy super is one of the biggest compliance risks for business ownersPractical steps you can take now to avoid stress, penalties, and personal liabilityWe also discuss the closure of the ATO Small Business Super Clearing House and what you need to do before it’s gone for good.If you employ staff (or plan to), this is one episode you can’t afford to miss. The rules are changing — and the consequences of getting it wrong are getting bigger.Moral of the story? Pay your super on time, every time.

What if the biggest risk in selling your business isn’t the deal… but your people finding out the wrong way?In this episode, we dive into one of the toughest parts of selling a business—telling your staff. From timing the conversation to protecting morale and retaining key people, we unpack how to balance transparency with strategy. Because handled poorly, you don’t just lose trust—you risk losing the very business you’re trying to sell.

Selling your business isn’t just a transaction — it’s one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll ever make.In this episode, Michelle and Stacey break down the step-by-step process for selling your business, helping you avoid costly mistakes, reduce stress, and maximise your sale price.Whether you’re planning to sell in the next 12 months or just starting to think about your exit strategy, this episode will give you a clear roadmap to follow.We cover:• Why having a defined process is critical• The 8 key steps to a successful sale• What information to share (and what NOT to share)• How to approach negotiation with confidence• Legal, tax and finance considerations you can’t ignore• Common pitfalls that can derail your deal• How to protect yourself from future disputesSelling your business can be complex — but with the right structure and advice, it doesn’t have to be overwhelming.If you want to walk away with confidence, clarity, and the best possible outcome… this episode is a must-listen.🎧 Tune in now and start preparing for your successful exit.#SmallBusiness #BusinessSale #ExitStrategy #Entrepreneurship #BusinessAdvice

In this episode we have a special guest, Andrew Henshaw from Velocity Legal to take us through the business sale process from a lawyers perspective.

Selling your business? Don’t leave money on the table. In this episode, Michelle and Stacey sit down with Robyn Jacobson, Senior Advocate at The Tax Institute and host of its “Tax by Podcast,” to demystify Australia’s capital gains tax (CGT) rules for small business owners.In plain English, we cover:CGT basics — what a capital asset is and how gains are actually taxed.The four small business CGT concessions and when they may apply:15-year exemption (potentially tax-free on retirement)50% active asset reductionRetirement exemption (lifetime cap of $500k)Replacement asset rollover (deferral strategies)Eligibility essentials — the <$6m net asset value or <$2m turnover tests, “active asset” rules, and why structures, timing and documentation matter.Real-world traps: valuations, grouping rules, signing in the right capacity, and why you need both your accountant and lawyer aligned.If you’re planning an exit (now or in a few years), this is your friendly heads-up on what to discuss with your adviser—so you can plan early and avoid nasty surprises.General information only—get personal advice for your situation.Listen now and catch the rest of our “Selling Your Business” series for more practical, no-jargon tips.

Learn how to build a realistic value range for your business—not just a number. We cover valuation methods (profit/revenue/goodwill), normalising accounts and add-backs, why outside experts help, and how a buyer’s motives (customers, team, tech, location, market share) shape price and negotiation. Sell with clarity and confidence.

Selling your business isn’t just about the price tag — it’s about timing, structure, and what comes next. Stacey and Michelle unpack how to decide when to exit, define your deal-breakers, and map out life after the sale — from staying on for a handover to taking a sabbatical, starting something new, or investing the proceeds. Real talk on cash vs earn-outs/shares, staff considerations, premises, timelines, and making sure the net-in-hand funds your next chapter.

In this episode, Michelle and Stacey unpack the three big questions every seller must ask about a potential buyer: Can they run the business? Why do they want it? Can they pay for it? They compare internal vs external buyers, share smart ways to research and validate a buyer (from ASIC checks to real-world references), and flag mindset clues—like values, problem-solving under pressure, and willingness to roll up their sleeves. Plus, how to protect relationships, time and confidentiality while you figure it out. Perfect for owners preparing to sell a small business and wanting to avoid costly detours.

In this episode, Michelle and Stacey, Small Business Specialists, dive into the real value of a business—what it truly means beyond just the numbers. They explore the key drivers of business valuation such as customer base, people, intellectual property, reputation, supplier relationships, agreements, location, technology, and market share. To bring it to life, they walk through a real-world example: valuing a local restaurant and translating intangible strengths like loyal customers, strong reputation, and prime location into financial terms. The conversation highlights the balance between the art and science of valuation and why factors like leases, key staff, and brand reputation can significantly impact the final price when selling a business. A must-listen for anyone focused on small business growth and preparing for a successful sale.

This is the first episode in series 1 on Selling your Business.We outline all things to be considered when selling your business.This includes:- Valuing your business- Understanding your purchaser- Timing of your exit- Tax and legal advice- Impacts on your staff- Who should negotiate- Due Diligence- Identifying risks- Common sale problems